QUICK REVIEW: This “liquid pearl” primer is hydrating enough to use as a lightweight, one-step moisturizer/primer and gives skin a natural glow without feeling or looking oily.

PRODUCT REVIEW (09/19/2012): The US is buzzing about BB Creams (Bobbi’s version is fantastic), a trend made popular by the desire Asian women have to keep their skin light and unblemished. Bobbi Brown introduced NEW! Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ in Asia this season, a primer/illuminator hybrid that offers women a new way to protect, hydrate and perfect their skin.

← For the record, that’s not me. LOL. Yet an interesting choice of model for the Asian market.

Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ has a delicate creamy texture, nearly imperceptible scent and a pale peachy pink pearlescent color. All skin tones from pale to deep should be able to successfully integrate this into their routine without worrying about the color being too peach or too ashy. The application feels very much like a lightweight hydrating cream, enough that those with combination or oily skin can easily use it in place of their daily moisturizer and sunscreen.

As a primer, Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ may not satisfy those who want a traditional silicone based, mattifying, pore filling formula. Face Base instead aims to ADD a glow to the skin without it appearing greasy. Healthy, young skin is luminous and appears “lit-from-within” and the objective of Face Base is to replicate these qualities, while protecting skin with a solid SPF 25 and anti-oxidants, while controlling excess oil and keeping skin looking fresh for up to 8 hours.

I currently have incredibly oily skin that is simultaneously sensitive and acne prone. My expectations of Illuminating Face Base were low, since most highlighting/illuminating products just makes my face look like, well a greasy hot mess. Face Base glided on easily – none of the light reflecting “pearls” settled into pores and fine lines or accentuated any of my blemishes and flaky areas. My skin looked dewy, fresh and much smoother that it did bare faced.

The only drawbacks I can think of that may be an issue with Bobbi Brown Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ is it does not cover pores like traditional primers, which may be a n issue for those with that particular concern and the jar packaging, while chic, requires a bit more effort and a spatula.

Otherwise, I have begun to adore Bobbi Brown Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ since my skin looked and felt hydrated without being greasy, kept makeup (especially mineral makeup) looking fresh for at least 6 hours without touch ups and looked great on the shoulders and decollete as well. It helped define facial contours by playing up peaks on cheek/brown bones and did wonders in giving my tired under eye area a boost (just be sure not to get it too close to they eyes). It worked particularly well with Bobbi’s Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup and NEW! Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 – maintaining the glow even after a light application of Bobbi Brown Sheer Finish Loose Powder.

Prepare yourself for a slew of new CC Creams (first released domestically by Olay and to be followed by Chanel) – which I’m predicting are just like BB Creams under a new guise. However, I’m sold on Bobbi’s Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ which beats traditional primers in comfort and can work on even tan-darker skin tones without looking ashy like most BB Creams. For the record, this also works BRILLIANTLY when a little is used under Bobbi’s BB Cream (READ BOBBI’S BB CREAM REVIEW).

BOBBI BROWN ILLUMINATING FACE BASE SPF 25++ PRODUCT DETAILS:

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Like liquid pearls, Bobbi’s ultra-luxe primer glides over skin and instantly enhances skin’s own luminosity for a lit-from-within glow as it intensively hydrates and smooths ski, preparing it for flawless foundation application. Illuminating Face Base SPF 25++ provides instant and all-day moisturization to help revitalize the skin’s appearance by diminishing dullness, and minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with a specifically selected blend of Green Tea, Artichoke Leaf Extracts and Vitamin E, this multi-benefit formula provides anti-oxidant protection from skin damaging free radicals. SPF 25 PA++ protects skin against UVA and UVB rays, while Oil Absorbing Powders control excess shine and oiliness for up to 8 hours so it won’t settle during the day, ensuring a smooth, even finish. (Source: Bobbi Brown Travel Retail Press Release)

NOTE: Ingredient list was taken from Asia released packaging. US and other countries may have a different ingredient list depending on their countries regulations.)

**This product was received from Bobbi Brown/Estee Lauder Travel Retail representatives for review consideration. This is not an advertisement for this product. All reviews and information gathered independently by Cosmetic Monster (or from press releases) – and no compensation is received based on the review outcome or sales generated from this review.

Bobbi Brown Illuminating Face Base is currently available in the Asian Market and select Travel Retail locations.